Urinary catheter policies for long-term bladder drainage.

Background: People requiring long-term bladder draining commonly experience catheter-associated urinary tract infection and other problems.

Objectives: To determine if certain catheter policies are better than others in terms of effectiveness, complications, quality of life and cost-effectiveness in long-term catheterised adults and children.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 28 September 2011).

Urethral catheters: can we reduce use?

Background: Indwelling urinary catheters are the main cause of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections. It can be expected that reduction of the use of urinary catheters will lead to decreased numbers of urinary tract infection.

Methods: The efficacy of an intervention programme to improve adherence to recommendations to reduce the use of urethral catheters was studied in a before-after comparison in ten Dutch hospitals.

An evidence-based recommendation on bed head elevation for mechanically ventilated patients.

Introduction: A semi-upright position in ventilated patients is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and is one of the components in the Ventilator Bundle of the Institute for Health Care Improvement. This recommendation, however, is not an evidence-based one.

Methods: A systematic review on the benefits and disadvantages of semi-upright position in ventilated patients was done according to PRISMA guidelines.

Should in-line filters be used in peripheral intravenous catheters to prevent infusion-related phlebitis? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: In this systematic review, we assessed the effect of in-line filters on infusion-related phlebitis associated with peripheral IV catheters. The study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We used MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register up to August 10, 2009.